For the monkeys, Upala, Costa Rica

Summary

The project is located in two different areas of Upala, Costa Rica. The first project area is located around 5 km northeast of Upala center and has an area size of 4 ha and the second project area has an area size of 2 ha. The project will consist of reforesting a 10 meter wide buffer zone that is connected to an isolated forest patch, along the Guacalito River. 3 different monkey species were spotted on this forest patch, the white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys and spider monkeys.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Between the years 1961 and 1992 the northern zone of Costa Rica lost over 90% of it's tropical, humid forests. The lands were deforested for cattle farming and cultivation of crops. Forest fragmentation causes flora and fauna to be isolated on little forest patches. This isolation causes inbreeding which results in genetically weakened generations. For many species these isolated forest patches are too small to make a live able habitat, as food can become scarce and species cannot migrate.

How will this project solve this problem?

Creating buffer zones along creeks and rivers is of high importance for the protection of these vulnerable water ways. Expanding the habitat for flora and fauna will result in a higher survival rate. Planting native tree species on these buffer zones will create more options for animals to migrate and next to that the trees will retain the soil, preventing it from being eroded by the rivers.

Potential Long Term Impact

Once a decent canopy has been created, fauna will feel safe to travel and migrate along the corridor. In the future, other projects could expand the corridor even more, connecting them to other isolated forest patches. The landowner will be able to receive payments for environmental services such as carbon sequestration. The financial benefits will protect and conserve the forest and will reduce the risk of it being deforested.

Funding Information

Total Funding Received to Date: $460

Funding Information

This project is now in implementation and no longer available for funding.
Received funds will be used to accomplish concrete objectives as
indicated in the project's "Activities" section. Updates will be posted under the
"Project Report" tab as they become available.

Donors' contributions and pledges to this project totaled $460
.
The original project funding goal was $18,390.